A.N: I don't pretend to own the characters of Cranford they (sadly) belong to Elizabeth Gaskell and Heidi Thomas. This is a work of fanfiction inspired by the novels and TV series.

Lady Huntington and Laurentia were alone for two days before the next guest arrived. In that time Laurentia learned that the guest was actually her hostess' nephew, a Mister George Blackwood. He was the son of a younger brother and so relegated to work for his living; he was a lawyer, though Laurentia was assured that he was "a jolly friendly fellow, charming you might even say, not stiff and boring at all like so many other lawyers". Laurentia decided that he sounded interesting and was looking forward to meeting him. Though she was not prepared for what she was met with when he was shown into the morning room.

Good Heavens was the man pleasing to the eye! He was tall, slender but not gangly, with a strong jawline, piercing green eyes, light brown hair that was neatly combed, and to finish it all off, a ready smile. The last was new and unusual for Laurentia, she was used to Mr. Carter's concentrated frown; but the smile was refreshing. The gentleman strode into the room with the confidence of a man at ease with himself and his position, almost a youthful confidence though he, like Laurentia, was closer to forty. His eyes rested on her for a moment before looking over to Lady Huntington. He smiled once more, his eyes crinkling at the corners and took Lady Huntington's hand in his. He murmured, "it is good to see you Aunty", in a deep, melodious voice. Lady Huntington's reply was much the same before she said "now George I want you to meet Miss Galindo, she is a close friend of Lady Ludlow's and has been keeping me company these past few days. You remember Lady Ludlow of the Hanbury Estate in Cheshire? Laurentia dear? This is my nephew Mister George Blackwood."

He bowed and she curtsied. Upon straightening, their eyes met, brown meeting green. His eyes truly were breathtaking. "Miss Galindo, how are you finding London? The Hanbury Estate is quite some time away."

"I have not yet had much time to explore London as much as I would like to Sir, but I find it to be a lively place, there is so very much to see and do."

Lady Huntington laughed at her comment. "Dear I imagine one could spend their whole life in London and never truly see it all... Now Laurentia, I have told you that we are informal in this household. I propose we call each other by our Christian names, I will not have you calling George 'Sir' or I 'Lady Huntington'! No, that will not do amongst friends! From now on we are simply George, Laurentia and Adelaide." With that proclamation, 'Adelaide' waltzed over to a sideboard and picked up a book.

A voice came from behind Laurentia, "are you shocked? My Aunt is a known radical, luckily her rules only apply whilst you are within the house, and outside only the strictest of decorum will do. I hope you do not take offense, I find her little rules refreshing, and I do try to keep her happy. May I call you Laurentia?"

Laurentia was still in a state of shock. She had never in all her years heard of such a thing as calling anyone by their Christian names, excepting family of course. London truly was a strange place, if this was accepted. Yet she did want to keep Lady Huntington, no- Adelaide, happy, and so she would have to consent, even if it went against everything she had been taught. "Of course, if only I may call you George."

"Only in private Laurentia," He replied mischievously.

~/~

Miss Pole was still debating how she would bring Miss Galindo and Mr. Carter together. How would she do it if they were still in separate cities? Should she suggest that Mr. Carter write her a letter? That would probably be the best course of action. But what would the letter be about, perhaps his slow recovery? Surely Miss Galindo would be interested in that? She was after all his nurse.

Doctors Harrison and Marshland exiting Mr. Carter's room interrupted her stream of thought. "Ah Miss Pole," said Dr. Harrison, "our patient is doing well. He is progressing faster than we originally thought..."

"However," Dr Marshland interrupted, "we believe that he would be better served if he could receive specialist care, that is, care that neither of us can provide."

"What does that mean?" Miss Pole queried.

"It means, Miss Pole, that we believe that Mr. Carter would fare even better if he were in London, with doctors who specialise in cases of trauma. You see we are worried that though Mr. Carter may be healing physically, his mental state may be wanting. The doctors in London can ensure that his physical and mental wounds can heal in the best possible way," Dr. Harrison concluded.

"I think gentlemen, you had best speak with Lady Ludlow." With that, Miss Pole led the two men down the corridor, in search of Lady Ludlow's ladies maid.

~/~

"To London?"

"Yes Mr. Carter, you are to go to London."

Mr. Carter looked at Lady Ludlow with unbelieving eyes. "Why My Lady?"

"Doctors Harrison and Marchland believe that you would heal better whilst in the care of specialist doctors," Lady Ludlow replied.

"Who am I to go with? My Lady forgive me, but I cannot do anything for myself." Mr. Carter was deeply troubled by this news.

"Mr. Carter you need not trouble yourself. A servant, James, will go with you. He has some experience with being a manservant at a previous place of employment. You are in good hands. However, Miss Pole is unable to go with you, she has her duties here. I will send a letter to Miss Galindo forthwith to alert her of your arrival. You will not be leaving for a matter of days yet, so there is time to get your affairs in order. You see, Mr. Carter, everything is quite taken care of." Lady Ludlow smiled sadly. "Your only job now is to focus on healing and on coming back to us." She patted his hand in an uncharacteristic display of affection, nodded to Miss Pole and walked from the room.

Mr. Carter was flabbergasted. London? Specialist doctors? A manservant named James? A letter to Miss Galindo? It was all too much to think about. He needed to rest and think. He looked over to Miss Pole, who was busy tidying the room. "Miss Pole, it has been a tiring afternoon, perhaps I will rest."

"Yes Mr. Carter I think that would be best. We can start organising your affairs when you wake," she replied.

~/~

Miss Pole could see it all coming together. Mr. Carter was going to London! This was exactly what was needed to bring Miss Galindo and Mr. Carter together, but she would not be there to orchestrate the affair. Perhaps she could do it from afar, instruct Mr. Carter to write a letter or a note to Miss Galindo when he arrived to London, and maybe present her with a small gift to remind her of home hen she was in the big city. It would have to be subtle whatever she chose. But of one thing she was sure, Miss Galindo and Mr. Carter would be together, whatever the costs.

A.N: A whole new chapter, you guys are spoiled! What will happen with George? Also I know that calling each other by first names is strange, but I think Laurentia needs a shock to gain some perspective, so please forgive me. As always please, please, please feel free to review and suggest things you would like to see. I read all the reviews and take them seriously, but this is a safe place so if you are new to this story please be gentle!